The Atlas
The latest edition of the Oxford Primary Atlas is 'explicitly focused on QCA schemes of work and statutory orders for geography at Key Stage 2'. New features include map literacy and numeracy, country data files and flags of the world at a usable size for young children. An ideal source for homework and projects, this primary atlas also contains a broad selection of good quality photographs, graphs and illustrations. Priced 7.99
(hardback) from Oxford University Press.
Telephone 01865 556767 www.oup.com
The encyclopedia
Dorling Kindersley's e.encyclopedia science sets out to prove that using books for research and using the web are not mutually exclusive activities; in fact the two can complement each other very well. This book has a dedicated website that has been created by the publisher and Google, the search engine. Each subject covered in the book has a two-page colour spread with appropriate diagrams and photographs, and in the corner of each section there is a little 'e' bubble, containing a key phrase that will allow the reader to access further information, photo realistic 3-D models, downloadable images and 'breaking news' items, where appropriate, on-line.
The website is regularly updated and is designed to be safe and age-appropriate. The book is aimed at eight- to 14-year-olds and is priced 25 (hardback).
Telephone 020 7010 3000 www.dk.com
Oxford's revised Children's Encyclopedia comes as a nine-volume box set that now includes entries on George W Bush, the 'war on terror', advances in cloning, new digital camera technologies, DNA mapping and GM crops. A biography volume provides information on the lives of 560 historical and current figures, including the authors JK Rowling and Philip Pullman. The index volume, in addition to providing over 15,000 entries, also gives a gazetteer of the countries of the world and a timeline of world history.
Each volume is in colour with a wealth of photographs, diagrams, illustrations and instructions on everything from how to knit to how to make a diamond-shaped kite. The entire set is priced 125
(hardback).
Telephone as before
Favourite subjects
Life-Size Dinosaurs from Chrysalis Children's Books is a large-format book with several double pull-out sections that stretch over 103cm in order to show the real size of the claws of a Therizinosaurus (scythe lizard)or the head of a Dilophosaurus. In addition to the impressive 'size on paper'
trick, the book is also packed with information boxes and bite-size, if you'll pardon the pun, snippets. Illustrated in colour throughout, the reverse of the book jacket is a 'life-size' poster of the teeth of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. Priced 12.99 (hardback).
Telephone 020 7314 1400 www.chrysalisbooks.co.uk
Baby Unique by photographer David Ellwand is a large-format study in black and white, and in close up, of babyhood. Children will love these shots of babies feeling happy, sad, eating and playing. The only text in the book is a minimal selection of quotes from parents because it's the pictures that are of most importance here. Priced 19.99 (hardback).
Telephone 01306 876361 www.templarco.co.uk
Carrying is part of the Small World series from Evans Publishing, and another photo record of children in close-up. This book depicts a huge variety of different cultures, from girls balancing jars of well water on their heads in Rajasthan to an Inuit girl carrying her doll on her back in Nunavut. Priced 4,99 (paperback).
Telephone 01264 343072 www.evansbooks.co.uk
